UPDATE: National Weather Service lifts flood watch early for Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Kauai Now • • nation
Key Points:
- A flood watch for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau was in effect from Feb. 20 to early Feb. 22, 2026, due to heavy rainfall from an upper-level trough causing flash flooding and rapid runoff, particularly impacting the Garden Island.
- Persistent heavy rain, with rates up to 2 to 4 inches per hour, led to flooding of the Hanalei River, resulting in the closure of Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge for several days until conditions improved.
- Flash flood warnings were issued and extended multiple times on Feb. 21 as flooding continued, with hazardous driving conditions, power outages in Hāʻena, and suspension of some public services like green waste collection.
- The flood watch
